O’Connor, SDI Biocarbon Solutions, win industry awards at International Biomass Conference
BY BBI International
Biomass industry awards were announced during the general session at the 18th Annual International Biomass Conference & Expo, produced by Biomass Magazine. These awards are designed to recognize the individuals and companies who have made significant accomplishments or meaningful contributions to the bioenergy sector. In addition, these designations are aimed at encouraging and inspiring the next generation of industry leaders.
SDI Biocarbon Solutions is the 2025 recipient of the Groundbreaker of the Year Award, which recognizes an organization or company that has completed or made meaningful headway on an impactful bioenergy project or related endeavor worthy of being deemed as “groundbreaking.”
A joint venture of technology provider Aymium and Steel Dynamics, SDI Biocarbon Solutions successfully completed construction and operation of a biocarbon production facility to supply Steel Dynamics’ electric arc furnace steel mills with a renewable alternative to fossil fuel carbon using Aymium’s patented technology. Utilizing forest and sawmill residue, the facility produces up to 200,000 tons of biocarbon pellets annually.
“Just like road transportation, aviation, maritime, locomotive and many other sectors, heavy industry is hard at work to decarbonize and drastically reduce its use of fossil fuels,” says Anna Simet, director of content and senior editor at Biomass Magazine. “Their story has been one that we’ve been honored to tell. SDI Biocarbon Solutions is an exciting example of what’s possible, and we look forward to seeing many more innovative projects like this one.”
Brian O’ Connor, president of Air Burners Inc., was presented with the Excellence in Bioenergy Award. The Excellence in Bioenergy Award recognizes individuals, companies or organizations whose drive and efforts have had significant impacts on the industry, from clearing financial or technological hurdles to outstanding policy, advocacy or educational initiatives, to overall exceptional efforts to better the industry.
For the past three decades, O’Connor has tirelessly worked to lead Air Burners to the perfection and commercialization of its air curtain burner technology. Its BioCharger system eliminates wood and vegetative waste, avoiding open burning or rotting slash piles, and diverting waste from landfills and reducing GHGS. The system can process up to 10 tons per hour, not only producing ash and biochar that can be used in agriculture, but generating and storing electricity off grid for use during downtime or nights, charging machines, equipment and tools, from excavators to cell phones to chain saws—a closed-loop system.
“Brian is one of outstanding individuals in this industry who saw a problem and made it their life mission to address it,” says Simet. “Air Burners’ machines are proven and approved by organizations like the U.S. EPA and Cal Fire, and are used across the globe. Their purpose and functionality are particularly relevant right now, when forest thinning and wildfire prevention are critical conversation topics—they a great means of eliminating waste when there is no economic use for it.”
John Nelson, chief operating officer at BBI International, said, “The contributions of both SDI Biocarbon Solutions and Brian O’Connor exemplify the spirit of innovation and commitment driving the bioenergy sector forward. SDI Biocarbon Solutions’ groundbreaking work in providing a renewable carbon alternative is a testament to the progress in decarbonizing heavy industry. Likewise, Brian O’Connor’s decades-long dedication to advancing air curtain burner technology has played a crucial role in reshaping how biomass waste is managed while producing energy. In my opinion, we need more people and companies like them. We’re honored to recognize their achievements at this year’s International Biomass Conference & Expo.”
The International Biomass Conference & Expo will continue through March 20, 2025, at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.